Improv 201: Characters + Relationships

This is where your work deepens.

Improv 201 builds on the foundation of Improv 101 and focuses on creating emotionally grounded characters in relationship. You’ll work on being visibly affected by your scene partner and environment, staying present, and identifying the behavioral patterns that give a scene momentum and depth.

Coaching becomes more specific at this level. You’ll be asked to make adjustments in the moment — try it again, refine it, and strengthen it. You’ll also begin practicing simple edits and heightening, learning how to support strong scenes and help great moments land.

By the end of the course, students are able to:

• Create distinct, emotionally grounded characters
• Sustain clear relationships through behavior
• Recognize and build on emerging patterns
• Adjust based on coaching in real time
• Support edits and heightening within a scene

All 8-week classes conclude with an optional showcase performance — a celebratory opportunity to share your work with friends and family.

Optional Showcase Prep Session (Tentative): Reserved for a make-up class if needed. If not, it becomes an optional showcase run-through (practice in a supportive room, review logistics, final notes, and a chance to meet other PHIT students).

Improv 201 is the second step in PHIT’s structured progression (101–401). Each level builds on the last.

Progression & Feedback: PHIT follows a structured level system (101–401). Placement and advancement are based on demonstrated skill development, not just attendance. Instructors provide ongoing feedback and guidance to help students choose the level that best supports their growth — so students can build strong fundamentals before moving on.

Prerequisite: PHIT Improv 101 (or equivalent experience), or permission from the Education Director. Students with prior training from other programs are welcome; the instructor and Education Director may recommend moving into a different level when appropriate and feasible, so students have the support and fundamentals they need to succeed.

Adults 18+

Class size: Most sections run with 10–12 students. Enrollment is capped at 14 to support coaching, reps, and stage time.

Policies: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. All courses must be paid in full before the first class. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

Day: SUNDAY

Dates: March 15, 22, 29, April 5, 12, 19, 26, May 3

Time: 1PM - 3PM

Optional Showcase Prep / Make-Up Date: May 10

Showcase: May 16

Room: Brown-Martin

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

Michael “Dola” Amendola (he/they) is a Philadelphia & NYC-based performer-creator, and educator with a strong interest in the personal, creative and social impact of “play.” He has performed in over 60 productions across the US including 600 shows with the Off-Broadway comedy hit, Drunk Shakespeare, and 100+ performances as Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the ASC. He earned his BFA in Acting from Texas State University and is pursuing an MFA in Devised Performance at the Pig Iron School. He has also studied clown extensively with many world-renowned teachers. In addition to teaching at PHIT, Dola has led workshops in devising, clown, improv and character creation for Circadium School for Contemporary Circus, Austin Shakespeare, Cannonball Festival, and the American Shakespeare Center.

What others Say:

"Dola is the best!"

“Dola was incredibly engaged and helped us see how improv skills apply both on stage and in everyday life.”

"This was the most beneficial workshop I've been to in years. I was able to reconnect my mind and body to acting. I have immediate lessons to bring back to my students."

"Oh god. Dola is a brilliant firecracker's worth of expression and depth. His style of teaching gives me courage and curiosity and freedom to explore and learn. I loved this class!!!"

"Dola really invited the students to be their best selves, creating an environment of play and discovery. He had excellent notes for the performers, truly insightful. It is evident that his eye is really tuned in to what is being created and is present to what is actually going on."

“Dola is an excellent teacher - the way he commands the room, and how excited he is by it. It’s great to see someone who is so passionate about something and then so good at it!”

Improv 101: Foundations

New to improv? This is where you begin.      

Improv 101 introduces the core skills that make scenes work: listening, agreement (“Yes, And”), supporting your partner, making clear choices, and recognizing patterns as they emerge.

Each week, you’ll learn specific tools and practice them through structured exercises, games, and guided scene work. You’ll receive supportive, practical coaching designed to help you grow — not just “get laughs.”

You don’t need to be funny or have experience, and you won’t be asked to perform alone. You just need a willingness to participate and try.

By the end of 8 weeks, students are able to:

All 8-week classes conclude with an optional showcase performance — a celebratory opportunity to share your work with friends and family.

Optional Showcase Prep Session (Tentative): Reserved for a make-up class if needed. If not, it becomes an optional showcase run-through (practice in a supportive room, review logistics, final notes, and a chance to meet other PHIT students).

Improv 101 is the first step in PHIT’s structured progression (101–401). Each level builds on the last.

Progression & Feedback: PHIT follows a structured level system (101–401). Placement and advancement are based on demonstrated skill development, not just attendance. Instructors provide ongoing feedback and guidance to help students choose the level that best supports their growth — so students can build strong fundamentals before moving on.

Adults 18+. 

No prerequisite.

Class size: Most sections run with 10–12 students. Enrollment is capped at 14 to support coaching, reps, and stage time.

Please note: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. All courses must be paid in full before the first class. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

Day: MONDAY

Dates: March 16, 23, 30, April 6, 13, 20, 27. May 4

Time: 7 PM - 9PM

Optional Showcase Prep / Make-Up Date: May 11 

ShowCase: Sat May 16

Room: Brown-Martin

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

Kassidy is a Philly native with a love for theatre. This is Kassidy’s first season working with PHIT and will be teaching a 101 class! She graduated from Messiah University with a B.A in Theatre which allowed her to study in Ireland at the Gaiety School of Acting. She has worked with Philly Young Playwrights, Azuka Theatre, and Yes! And…? Collaborative Arts. She is also in a improv group called Improvabilitee and is excited to be at PHIT. 

What Others Say

"Kassidy creates a supportive environment where you can be challenged without feeling overwhelmed.”

Improv Reps Clinic: Notes + Practice (3 Weeks)

This clinic is practice on purpose: high-rep scene work, targeted notes, and immediate opportunities to apply adjustments. You’ll strengthen what you’re already doing well, spot the habits that get in your way, and leave with clear next steps you can take straight into class, rehearsal, or performance.

Great for intermediate improvisers who want focused reps and actionable feedback—whether you train at PHIT or elsewhere. It’s also an ideal bridge for students coming out of Improv 301 who want to stay engaged and continue progressing toward Improv 401.

Prerequisite: Improv 201+ (or equivalent experience), or permission from the Education Director.

Adults 18+

Policies

Clinics are already priced as a standalone value, so promo codes don’t apply

Payment: Registration must be paid in full before the first class begins. If you choose a CourseStorm payment plan, installments are automatically scheduled so your balance is paid in full by the first class.

Final sale: Seats are limited and staffing is confirmed in advance. Enrollment reserves a seat regardless of attendance, so all registrations are final — no refunds, credits, transfers, or moving to a future session.

Day: TUESDAY

Dates: March 17, 24, 31

Time: 7PM - 9PM

Make-Up Date (only if needed): April 7 

ShowCase: NO SHOWCASE

Room: Brown-Martin

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor: 

Kelly Jennings is a Philadelphia-based theater artist, improviser, and leadership coach. She serves as Executive Director and leads Education + Corporate Training at Philly Improv Theater (PHIT).

Kelly is an alumna of Philadelphia ComedySportz, where she performed and taught, and also served as Co–Artistic Director and Minor League Coach. Her work includes improv- and performance-based training and workshops for organizations including Comcast, Seer Interactive, University of Pennsylvania, Villanova, and Drexel, among others.

As a performer and creator, Kelly was a founding member of the long-form improv company LunchLady Doris (12+ years), and co-created Cecily and Gwendolyn’s Fantastical, which received the League of Cincinnati Theaters’ Outstanding Improv Award. Additional credits include TimeProv (an improvised Doctor Who parody), Choosical: The Improvised Musical, and a whole lot of one-off, blink-and-you-missed-it theater adventures.

What Others Say:

“You can tell that Kelly Jennings is passionate about her craft; it showed throughout the workshop. She is a great instructor.”

“Kelly is so deeply knowledgeable, while staying intellectually accessible to all. She kept the pace moving and class flew with her at the helm. Her years of both performing and teaching really benefit us tremendously.”

“Kelly was a lot of fun to work with.  She really knew what she was doing, and I definitely walked out of the session having learned something new.”  

Anxiety Friendly Improv

Curious about improv, but feeling anxious, shy, or self-conscious about jumping into a typical class environment? Anxiety Friendly Improv is designed as a lower-pressure space to learn the basics with people who get it. You’ll practice beginner-friendly (Improv 101–level) exercises and games focused on play, connection, and confidence—at a pace that supports the room. Meets once a week for eight weeks.

Important note:This course is not therapy and does not substitute for therapy.

Prerequisites: None. No improv experience required. No clinical diagnosis is required to participate.

Adults 18+ who experience anxiety, shyness, or high levels of self-consciousness—or who simply want to try improv in a supportive, accepting environment with an instructor who understands those feelings.

Please note: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers.

Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

Day: Wednesday Dates: March 18, 25; April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; May 6

Time: 7:00–9:00 p.m.

Practice / Make-Up Date (Tentative): Wednesday, May 13 Held only if needed as a make-up. If not needed, it may become an optional practice.

Showcase: Saturday, May 16

Room: Brown-Martin

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center, 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

Adam is a psychologist with a private practice in Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia specializing in work with individuals who identify as Neuro-diverse - especially folks on the Autism Spectrum. After graduating with a doctorate degree in clinical psychology in 2018, Adam began infusing improv techniques into his work in order to empower individuals who may struggle with confidence in social settings. He has taken many classes at PHIT and has been performing Improv since 2013. He designed and teaches the Anxiety Friendly Improv curriculum at PHIT - an innovative course specifically designed to cater to the needs of neourodiverse individuals. In addition, Adam leads other Core level improv classes at PHIT and can be seen playing with the PHIT improv team Teachers Lounge.

What Others Say:

"Adam provides good support / psychological safety which gives students room to explore their skills"

"Adam clearly explained the concepts and provided an excellent introduction to improv."

"Such a sweet guy! Very empathic, open, and supporting. Good at giving notes. I really appreciated Adam's willingness to get super weird with us during games (pass the face, bunny bunny, hotspot etc.)."

Improv 301: Group Play + Patterns

This is where ensemble focus becomes the skill.

Improv 301 shifts from strong two-person scenes to full-ensemble work. Building on the character and relationship skills from 201, you’ll strengthen your ability to recognize patterns as they emerge, support them as a team, and heighten them into clear, satisfying group play. If 301 feels like a shift from 2-person scenes, that’s intentional — this level asks students to lean into group awareness by supporting ideas that aren’t yours and helping the group stay focused.

You’ll practice group scenes, group games, and the mechanics that make them work: spotting patterns, clarifying the chaos, making strong next moves together, and sustaining focus across multiple beats. Coaching becomes more performance-specific at this level as we refine timing, specificity, pacing, and how you support both your scene partners and the ensemble as a whole.

By the end of the course, students are able to:

• Recognize and articulate the central pattern of a scene
• Support and heighten ideas with clarity
• Maintain ensemble awareness across edits and beats
• Make deliberate, confident next moves
• Recover when a scene loses focus

All 8-week classes conclude with an optional showcase performance — a celebratory opportunity to share your work with friends and family.

Optional Showcase Prep Session (Tentative): Reserved for a make-up class if needed. If not, it becomes an optional showcase run-through (practice in a supportive room, review logistics, final notes, and a chance to meet other PHIT students).

Improv 301 is the third step in PHIT’s structured progression (101–401). This level prepares students for advanced longform structure work in 401.

Progression & Feedback: PHIT follows a structured level system (101–401). Placement and advancement are based on demonstrated skill development, not just attendance. Instructors provide ongoing feedback and guidance to help students choose the level that best supports their growth — so students can build strong fundamentals before moving on.

Prerequisite: PHIT Improv 201 (or equivalent experience), or permission from the Education Director. Students with prior training from other programs are welcome; the instructor and Education Director may recommend moving into a different level when appropriate and feasible, so students have the support and fundamentals they need to succeed.

Adults 18+

Class size: Most sections run with 10–12 students. Enrollment is capped at 14 to support coaching, reps, and stage time.

Policies: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. All courses must be paid in full before the first class. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

Day: WEDNESDAY

Dates: March 18, 25, April 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6

Time: 7PM - 9PM

Optional Showcase Prep / Make-Up Date: May 13 

ShowCase: May 16

Room: Smith

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

Arantxa Chavez is a theater artist, improviser, and clown from Lima, Peru. She started practicing Improv in 2012 and has not stopped since. Having recently graduated from Pig Iron’s Devised Performance MFA program, Arantxa delights in using improv as a mode for creation, having fun with friends, and reinforcing her collaborative skills. She has many years of performance experience with her old troupe, Unsupervised Improv, and has taught Improv all over Colorado Springs including the Millibo Art Theatre. Locally, she teaches Improv to young students through The Unscripted Project and now here, at PHIT! Keep an eye out for more classes and more art!

What Others Say:

“Aranxta inspires confidence while offering clear, constructive feedback.”

“Aranxta explains concepts thoroughly while keeping the class relaxed and welcoming.”

“Encouraging questions and creating a supportive environment made it easy to take risks and try new things.”

Improv 301: Group Play + Patterns

This is where ensemble focus becomes the skill.

Improv 301 shifts from strong two-person scenes to full-ensemble work. Building on the character and relationship skills from 201, you’ll strengthen your ability to recognize patterns as they emerge, support them as a team, and heighten them into clear, satisfying group play. If 301 feels like a shift from 2-person scenes, that’s intentional — this level asks students to lean into group awareness by supporting ideas that aren’t yours and helping the group stay focused.

You’ll practice group scenes, group games, and the mechanics that make them work: spotting patterns, clarifying the chaos, making strong next moves together, and sustaining focus across multiple beats. Coaching becomes more performance-specific at this level as we refine timing, specificity, pacing, and how you support both your scene partners and the ensemble as a whole.

By the end of the course, students are able to:

• Recognize and articulate the central pattern of a scene
• Support and heighten ideas with clarity
• Maintain ensemble awareness across edits and beats
• Make deliberate, confident next moves
• Recover when a scene loses focus

All 8-week classes conclude with an optional showcase performance — a celebratory opportunity to share your work with friends and family.

Optional Showcase Prep Session (Tentative): Reserved for a make-up class if needed. If not, it becomes an optional showcase run-through (practice in a supportive room, review logistics, final notes, and a chance to meet other PHIT students).

Improv 301 is the third step in PHIT’s structured progression (101–401). This level prepares students for advanced longform structure work in 401.

Progression & Feedback: PHIT follows a structured level system (101–401). Placement and advancement are based on demonstrated skill development, not just attendance. Instructors provide ongoing feedback and guidance to help students choose the level that best supports their growth — so students can build strong fundamentals before moving on.

Prerequisite: PHIT Improv 201 (or equivalent experience), or permission from the Education Director. Students with prior training from other programs are welcome; the instructor and Education Director may recommend moving into a different level when appropriate and feasible, so students have the support and fundamentals they need to succeed.

Adults 18+

Class size: Most sections run with 10–12 students. Enrollment is capped at 14 to support coaching, reps, and stage time.

Policies: All sales are final. No refunds. No credit for future sessions. No transfers. All courses must be paid in full before the first class. Please consider your schedule carefully before you register.

Day: THURSDAY

Dates: March 19, 26, April 9, 16, 23, 30, May 7

Time: 7PM - 9PM

Optional Showcase Prep/ Make-Up Date: May 14 

ShowCase: May 16

Room: Brown- Martin

Theater Location: Hamilton Family Arts Center 62 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106

About the Instructor:

Christopher Cauffman Cooke is a Philadelphia actor, singer, musician, and clown currently pursuing his MFA in Devised Theatre at The Pig Iron School. Dedicated to the discovery, play, and joy inherent in live performance, he has explored improv as a medium for many years.Looking forward to seeing you in class!

What Others Say:

“Chris creates a positive environment for play while still guiding the class with kindness and clarity.”

Intro to Improv Workshop (90 minutes)

Curious about improv but not ready to commit to an 8-week class yet? This 90-minute Intro Workshop is a beginner-friendly way to try it out.

You’ll learn a few foundational improv tools (including Yes, And), practice listening and responding in the moment, and try some guided scene work—no experience needed. This is a supportive, low-pressure workshop designed for first-timers and returning students who want a refresher.

PHIT is a training center, which means we focus on real skill-building—while keeping the room warm, welcoming, and fun.

Tuition / credit: A $30 non-refundable fee reserves your spot. You’re welcome to take an Intro Workshop with no obligation to register for a full class.

If you later enroll in a Level 101 class, you can take $30 off with a promo code. That code is included in your workshop reminder email (sent before the workshop begins). When you register for 101, you’ll need to enter the code during checkout (it does not apply automatically).

Promo code notes: One code per customer. Cannot be combined with other promotional discounts.

Adults 18+

Policies: All sales are final. No refunds, credits, exchanges, or transfers. Please check your schedule carefully before registering.

Day: TUESDAY

Date: March 31

Time: 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Room: Smith

Intro to Improv Workshop (90 minutes)

Curious about improv but not ready to commit to an 8-week class yet? This 90-minute Intro Workshop is a beginner-friendly way to try it out.

You’ll learn a few foundational improv tools (including Yes, And), practice listening and responding in the moment, and try some guided scene work—no experience needed. This is a supportive, low-pressure workshop designed for first-timers and returning students who want a refresher.

PHIT is a training center, which means we focus on real skill-building—while keeping the room warm, welcoming, and fun.

Tuition / credit: A $30 non-refundable fee reserves your spot. You’re welcome to take an Intro Workshop with no obligation to register for a full class.

If you later enroll in a Level 101 class, you can take $30 off with a promo code. That code is included in your workshop reminder email (sent before the workshop begins). When you register for 101, you’ll need to enter the code during checkout (it does not apply automatically).

Promo code notes: One code per customer. Cannot be combined with other promotional discounts.

Adults 18+

Policies: All sales are final. No refunds, credits, exchanges, or transfers. Please check your schedule carefully before registering.

Day: SUNDAY

Date: April 12

Time: 1:00 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Room: 1976